Photography by Marcos Hermes

SEPULTURA - DERRICK GREEN 

Journalist: Richard Jaspering
Date of interview: August 26, 2014
Published: September 15, 2014

Richard Jaspering interviews Derrick Green of Sepultura on Rock In Rio, Le Tambours Du Bronx, Brasil and the new live album and DVD Metal Veins - Alive At Rock In Rio.

MMK: First, I want to thank you for taking this time to talk to me today. What is the Rock In Rio experience like for Sepultura?

Derrick Green: It is really an honor to play in Rock In Rio, it was one of the first festivals that ever occurred here, thirty years ago in the 80s. It was the first time that people were really able to see classic bands like AC/DC/ Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, something that opened up a whole new world. They started this legacy and for them to let us share it with Les Tambours Du Bronx, it’s really something special.

MMK: For those maybe unfamiliar, can you elaborate on your relationship with your fellow musicians on the record? How did Sepultura and Le Tambours Du Bronx come together to make this happen?

Derrick Green: We had played with Le Tambours Du Bronx at a festival in France many years ago. We kept in contact because we felt there was something we could do together on the main stage.. The opportunity came up in Rock In Rio and they were looking for a certain artist to combine with other artists to do a potential show. We had no idea really what to expect and in rehearsals, everyone at Rock In Rio asked, “Why don’t you have them on the main stage?” And actually they wanted to take the opportunity to record with us. 

MMK: Can you talk a little bit about the process in putting this Rock In Rio set together?

Derrick Green: Yes. We talked about festivals and the idea was important that since there were twenty of them (in Le Tambours Du Bronx) that they’d be comfortable, they have a certain way of playing and writing together, so through emails and ideas exchanged with them, we came together to give something Sepultura fans would expect. 

MMK: The anthemic rallying cry “Sepulnation” resonates in the hearts of many Sepultura fans throughout the world. What is your emotional response to this work and how it plays out in a live setting like this one on the record?

Derrick Green: It’s great, it’s something that shows that there’s really no boundaries where the music can go. There is no boundaries as far as our language, or color, it’s something that is unstoppable. The idea is a very positive song of bringing people together.

MMK: Why did you choose to cover The Prodigy’s “Firestarter” for this album? It’s a killer version, but can you talk about your choice here?

Derrick Green: Sure, we were looking to do covers of bands that people wouldn’t expect. I think everyone in Sepultura has great diversity in their musical taste and I don’t think many people realize how much of an impact that diversity has on us. I think it’s interesting to cover a band that doesn’t necessarily fit in to the rock genre, or metal.

MMK: It’s always seemed incredibly important for Sepultura to express pride in its unifying Brazilian history. Would you talk about your roots in Brazil and your connection to the people there?

Derrick Green: I’ve been living there for six years and it was really difficult at first, but they respect the fact that I am an American living there. I made my choice to live in Sao Paolo, and I changed my whole life because of Sepultura. There’s a lot of respect there because of that and I can feel that from the people. It’s an incredible experience that I never imagined.

MMK: Can you share a little bit of information about the Blu-Ray of your performance? What do you think a fan at home can expect to see from Sepultura in Rio De Janiero?

Derrick Green: I think that it’s important for people to know that this festival exists and how important it is, and the reaction will be incredible. Visually, it’s really cool to see because even if you’re not in to metal or anything like that, I think it’s something that will blow people away.

Metal Veins - Alive At Rock In Rio boasts some of SEPULTURA's most revered tunes including "Refuse/Resist," and "Roots Bloody Roots," which sees the audience chanting the entire cut from beginning to end. With a one-hour run time divided into thirteen cuts, the album also features a cover of Prodigy's "Firestarter," the fan-chanted "Sepulnation" hymn, and music from the band'sKairos full-length. Metal Veins - Alive At Rock In Rio will come availableon CD, DVD and for the first time in the band's history, Blu-Ray via a partnership with Rock In Rio, MZA Music and Eagle Rock Entertainment. In addition, the DVD includes an exclusive documentary of behind-the-scenes preparation with interviews, rehearsal and sound-check footage and clips of the band just seconds before they hit the stage.

Sepultura and Les Tambours du Bronx: Metal Veins - Alive At Rock In Rio will be released in North America via Eagle Rock Entertainment on September 16th, 2014.

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